For the first time in 40 years, the Dragon Ball returns to Sydney Town Hall for one night only on 23 February.
A 20-piece big-band will belt out various hits from the likes of Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé and Adele to Michael Bublé and Frank Sinatra, while hundreds of Sydneysiders take to the floor to do the cha-cha, New Vogue and swing and learn new routines taught by professional dancers.
“A big band, big sounds, big frocks, floor shows, dancers and performers will make the Dragon Ball an unforgettable way to welcome the Year of the Snake,” the Lord Mayor said. “It’s 40 years since the last Dragon Ball, so we’ve asked internationally renowned director Kris Stewart to reimagine this grand old event for 2013.”
The 2013 Dragon Ball is the creation of internationally acclaimed producer and director Kris Stewart (Sydney Fringe Festival, Festival of Voices in Tasmania, New York Musical Theatre Festival, Sydney Festival’s Trocadero Dance Palace and Wicked – the Broadway musical).
The annual Dragon Ball took place from 1938-73 and was an event much-loved by local Asian communities. Held at the Trocadero before moving to the Chevron Hotel in Kings Cross and Sydney Town Hall in its final years, the event saw young debutantes rehearse for months before they were presented to the Chinese Consul General with their families looking on.
The event was also a major charity fundraiser, known as the Dragon Festival Princess Contest, with ‘contestants’ competing to raise money for a chosen charity in the lead-up to the night.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the Dragon Ball was once a huge part of Sydney’s social scene and its revival for this year’s Chinese New Year Festival would bring back the glitz, glamour and fancy frocks of a bygone era. “Historically, the Dragon Ball was about bringing together the Chinese and Australian communities, enjoying food, dancing and drinks – but it was also celebrated by the wider community." Mr Stewart said.
"That’s what we’re trying to create here – a night Sydneysiders won’t ever forget.”
Dragon Ball 2013
Date: Saturday, 23 February 2013Time: 7.30pm-midnight
Venue: Centennial Hall, Sydney Town Hall
Cost: General admission – $60pp + booking fee, Unreserved table seating – $70pp + booking fee
